Adults don't tell other adults what to do.
This proposition strikes me as so important
I ought to preach it in the subway corridor —
Hello, hear the good news and the thank you —
Adults don't tell other adults what to do.
Because I am four years old I add "Know what
else?"
But to go on would dilute this singular message,
Distract from its manifold consequence:
Adults don't tell other adults what to do.
We do however pay attention to each other
And speak freely of what we're feeling.
A person covered in shit or blood needs help.
An adult who harms her- or himself repeatedly —
Looking away is still paying attention.
Getting an MSW, praying, voting, going to the bar —
Speak freely to me of what you're feeling.
I know and respect you, and am aware —
Adults don't tell other adults what to do
— Jordan Davis
from New England Review